Scientists to evaluate plummeting cod fish stock

Scientists to evaluate report that says New England cod fish stock is plummeting

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Scientists are set to begin reviewing an assessment of the Gulf of Maine cod population that says the species is spawning at an all-time low.

A spokeswoman for the New England Fisheries Management Council says the scientists will review the assessment Thursday and Friday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The management council will consider the scientists' report in late September and early October. The spokeswoman says the council might use the report to make an emergency action or to craft new regulations for the fishery.

Scientists with the National Marine Fisheries Service say the amount of cod spawning in the Gulf of Maine is estimated to be three to four percent of its target level. They key food species is experiencing low catches in states such as Maine and Massachusetts.